Albany vs Buffalo: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Albany, NY and Buffalo, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, NY | Buffalo, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,799▲ | $58,176 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.63▲ | $27.97 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,737▲ | $47,852 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,121▲ | $51,632 |
| 75th Percentile | $67,709▲ | $64,227 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $74,500▲ | $68,336 |
| Total Employed | 120 | 340▲ |
Verdict
Albany, NY offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Buffalo.
The salary gap between Albany and Buffalo is $7,623 (13.10%). Albany's median is -6.33% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albany spans $14,763,Buffalo spans $20,484. Buffalo has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Albany ($66,086 effective) pays 8.88% more than Buffalo ($60,699 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albany if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,799/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($74,500)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,086)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Buffalo if…
- ✓Larger job market (340 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Albany grew 22.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.7% growth in Buffalo over the same period.
Albany, NY
$52,490 (2019) → $64,050 (2025)
Buffalo, NY
$44,710 (2019) → $56,630 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, NY
Buffalo, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Albany or Buffalo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albany and Buffalo?
Should I relocate from Albany to Buffalo as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Albany vs Buffalo?
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Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov